Help feed my addiction!

For as long as I could remember I’ve loved opals and opal jewellery.

I bought my first opal ring at aged 16 (sterling silver, teeny tiny, lightning ridge triplet). I’ve never had the budget for a blockbuster piece but I now own a number of small coober pedy and lightning ridge stones.

Over the (many) years since then, through internet browsing, shopping and this sub, I’ve picked up a basic understanding of different types of opal and their quality.

A few weeks ago I decided that, even if I can’t afford my dream black opal collection, I could become a more active learner about the stones I love.

I’ve started reading Fred Ward’s book which is great, and maybe one day I’ll get to go to Australia and see opal mining for myself.

But, in the meantime, what else can I do to advance my armchair expertise? All suggestions most welcome!!